Cherries: Bradders hails Connell persistence

22 February 2010 07:00

Substitute Connell shrugged off the disappointment of two earlier missed opportunities to prevent an embarrassing home defeat at the hands of lowly Macclesfield.

Connell, who replaced Steve Fletcher at the interval, cancelled out Nat Brown's 62nd-minute opener by clinically converting a late leveller from close range.

The equaliser ended a near four-month wait for a league goal for the 27-year-old, who politely declined to speak to the Echo.

And Bradbury, who has more than 100 career goals to his name, hailed the resilience his colleague showed to grab Cherries a deserved point.

The former Manchester City and Pompey star said: He was upset he missed a couple of chances but that happens as a striker you're going to miss chances.

But he kept believing in himself he's a good player and ended up getting the goal he deserved.

The fans got on his back a little bit when he missed a couple of chances. It's frustrating for them and we understand that.

But Al kept faith in himself like you should do. Confidence is a major part of your game and he kept going and got his reward.

Connell has endured a frustrating season, with the fine form of Pitman and Fletcher keeping him out of Cherries' starting line-up for long periods. But according to boss Howe, he has put himself in the frame for a start against Barnet tomorrow.

Howe said: He's put himself in the picture and we'll have to have a look at it. It gives me a selection problem which is always nice.

Connell's goal on Saturday sparked a furious reaction from the Macclesfield players and staff, with manager Keith Alexander sent to the stands for protesting the decision of referee Graham Horwood not to award a foul against Connell in the build-up.

Angry Alexander described it as an absolute joke.

When asked for his opinion, Howe added: It looked a free-kick from where we were, but Alan said he didn't touch him so I don't know.